Linoleum block printing, or linocut is a type of relief printing. It is an old art form
involving a lot of handwork.
These prints are made by carving a design into the surface of a block of linoleum.
After carving, it is inked with a tool called a brayer. What has not been cut away by
the artist is what accepts the ink. Paper is pressed against the inked block and
rubbed with a tool called a baren or with the artist's hand to apply pressure, making
the print. The print is pulled from the block and hung to dry.
Supplies for linocut printing are available at most art supply stores. Linoleum can
be bought mounted on a piece of wood or unmounted. I prefer it to be mounted.
Tools for carving come in 2 different styles: one type you push away from yourself to
carve, and the other you pull. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I
prefer the type that you push. A brayer is a roller that evenly distributes the ink on the
block. I have found that a soft brayer is better for water based ink and a hard brayer
is better for oil based ink. A baren is used to apply pressure to the inked block and
the paper. A baren can be store bought or made by the artist. Artists make them out
of cloth, paper or even dried leaves. You must buy ink made for linoleum block
printing. If you want easy soap and water clean up, then water based ink is for you.
Oil based inks will create a fine print, but obviously need to be cleaned up with
mineral spirits or turpentine. For paper, I prefer absorbent Japanese paper, but
every printmaker has their favorite. You will need to experiment to see what works
for you.
I love the process of making these prints. The hands-on simplicity and charm fits
my personality. Each is printed by hand allowing each to be an original, taking on it's
own small differences. Maybe you should try!
involving a lot of handwork.
These prints are made by carving a design into the surface of a block of linoleum.
After carving, it is inked with a tool called a brayer. What has not been cut away by
the artist is what accepts the ink. Paper is pressed against the inked block and
rubbed with a tool called a baren or with the artist's hand to apply pressure, making
the print. The print is pulled from the block and hung to dry.
Supplies for linocut printing are available at most art supply stores. Linoleum can
be bought mounted on a piece of wood or unmounted. I prefer it to be mounted.
Tools for carving come in 2 different styles: one type you push away from yourself to
carve, and the other you pull. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I
prefer the type that you push. A brayer is a roller that evenly distributes the ink on the
block. I have found that a soft brayer is better for water based ink and a hard brayer
is better for oil based ink. A baren is used to apply pressure to the inked block and
the paper. A baren can be store bought or made by the artist. Artists make them out
of cloth, paper or even dried leaves. You must buy ink made for linoleum block
printing. If you want easy soap and water clean up, then water based ink is for you.
Oil based inks will create a fine print, but obviously need to be cleaned up with
mineral spirits or turpentine. For paper, I prefer absorbent Japanese paper, but
every printmaker has their favorite. You will need to experiment to see what works
for you.
I love the process of making these prints. The hands-on simplicity and charm fits
my personality. Each is printed by hand allowing each to be an original, taking on it's
own small differences. Maybe you should try!
ABOUT LINOCUTS
